A walk in the forest and along the wetlands is like a dream of another world or time. Choice of a short woodsy walk or an all day wetlands walk, right through the middle of a delta and tidelands to the saltwater canal. Where it's swampiest there'll be raised wooden trails. No elevations so even those of us who're elderly can manage, and mostly accessible to wheelchairs and baby carriages.
Theler is one the most beautiful places in Mason County that you can get to easily. Famous for birding. There's a community center with many events; sign up to keep informed. There are exhibits (including a whale skeleton).
Their one fault is you can't bring your dog even for a leashed walk, which is to their everlasting shame; not dog friendly is simply wrong to be. But if you hate dogs too, you'll appreciate that little extra feature.
It's named for Mary E. Thaler (1901-1950; she died relatively early in an auto accident). She was born right in Belfair and lived most of her life there, as leading citizen, postmistress, general store operator with her husband, scout-mistress and regional promoter of the Girl Scouts, etc. Widower Sam Thaler (1895-1965) attempted to provide for the wetland's preservation in her name into perpetuity.
Alas there have been some ongoing threats the intent, as insufficient trust fund, financial troubles, incompetent management, lawsuits, lapsed non-profit status, and evil bankers' attempts to sell parts of the property and its buildings, have all collided with continued preservation. The future of the place seems likely to suffer further threats from time to time, but so far, it has overcome every foe. read more